A migraine is a painful form of a headache that can affect both children and adults. There are four possible stages of a migraine, although they are often not all experienced:

The prodrome, a set of symptoms occurring 24 to 48 hours before the migraine.

The aura, immediately preceding the migraine that can last up to an hour.

The migraine, an intense headache lasting for up to three days.

The postdrome, the phase after the migraine has ended lasting for a few days.

Steps

1

Determine if you are experiencing the prodrome phase. Symptoms which occur in approximately 60% of those with migraines include:

Stiff muscles (particularly the neck)

Irritable mood

Increased thirst

Craving for a specific food

Sensitivity to light and/or sound

Loss of appetite

Loss of concentration

Fatigue

Depression

Increased yawning

Euphoria

2

Determine if you are experiencing the aura phase. Approximately 20% of migraine sufferers experience auras, and they tend to last 5-20 minutes up to an hour. Not all sufferers of migraines with auras will experience an aura with every migraine. Symptoms include:

Visual Symptoms (most common):

Spreading area of visual loss

Blurred vision

Jagged lines

Flashing lights

Slowly spreading spots

Blind or dark spots

Distortion in size or shape of objects

Sensitivity to light

Sensory symptoms:

Tingling in a limb, on the face, or in the mouth

Numbness

Other Symptoms:

Sensitivity to noise;

Feelings of confusion;

Slurred speech or delayed responses;

Unable to comprehend spoken words;

Unable to read;

Anxiety or fear;

Nausea;

Weakness;

Feelings of separation from your body.

3

Recognize the migraine itself. Migraines have some qualities which make them distinct from a typical headache:

Unilateral (one side of the brain)

Pain that is throbbing or pulsating in quality

Associated with nausea and vomiting

Photophobia (sensitivity to light)

Phonophobia (sensitivity to sound)

Allodynia (sensation of pain from normally non-painful stimuli, such as brushing hair or shaving)

Migraines are usually moderate to severe, and can last up to three days for adults, and typically only a few hours for children.

4

A small percentage of migraine sufferers report a phase of postdrome, symptoms experienced after the migraine itself. This can last several days and includes symptoms of difficulty concentrating, mood changes, and weakness. This may also include transient pain in the same area as the headache with quick head movements.